INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORTS

NEWS: India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26

Key Highlights

• Partnershipsà Expanding with the Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, and African nations.
• Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed 84% of total exports
• Export valueà Almost tripled in five years+ number of authorised defence exporters rose from 128 to 145.
• India exported defence equipment to over 80 countries, with the US, France and Armenia as top destinations;
• Transitioned from basic subsystem components to high-value, complex platforms.

Key Drivers of Export Growth

• Simplified export approvals through a revamped online portal+ streamlined Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Indian platforms like BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash combine combat-proven technology with significantly lower costs than Western systems.
• Turning the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into seven commercial entities sets export targets, transforming DPSUs into competitive exporters.

Government Initiatives

• Open General Export Licence (OGEL) àPermits pre-approved export of specific defence items to friendly nations without individual transaction approvals.
• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in Uttar Pradesh+ Tamil Naduà offer integrated manufacturing clusters with ready infrastructure, attracting investments.
• Liberalised norms allow up to 74% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) via automatic route and 100% through the government approval route to attract global capital.
• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) supports MSMEs with grants+ incubation for developing export-ready defence technologies.